A 30-year-old chio bu influencer, Genie Yamaguchi, has admitted to shoplifting more than $600 worth of beauty products with her friend at Don Don Donki in Orchard Central. She pleaded guilty in court on Tuesday morning (Aug 26).
Genie, who has 14,800 followers on Instagram, describes herself online as a gamer, florist specialising in preserved flowers, and also someone running a beauty clinic.
According to Shin Min Daily News, she and her 28-year-old friend, Li Xuekai (transliteration), went to Don Don Donki between 2.30am and 3am on Aug 25 last year.
Together, they took 27 items from the shelves, including makeup sponges, lipsticks and serums.
They placed the items in a trolley and left without paying. When they met up after the theft, a staff member on duty spotted them. The store manager checked CCTV footage and realised items had been stolen, before filing a police report.
Genie was arrested the following month. Out of the stolen goods, only nine items were eventually returned. Both women later said they were willing to compensate the store for the remaining items.
The prosecution noted that Genie has no prior record and requested that she be assessed for a Day Reporting Order. Her lawyer agreed, adding that she had already compensated Don Don Donki on Aug 22.
The judge ordered a report on the suitability of the Day Reporting Order and adjourned sentencing to September 23.
Friend faces more charges
Apart from this case, Li Xuekai also faces three other shop theft charges.
She allegedly stole $90 worth of slippers from Watsons at Suntec City Tower 3 on Aug 23, and a $45 tumbler from JCube on Aug 27.
On top of that, she was accused of stealing over $3,200 worth of goods from Mustafa Centre on Apr 28 this year. Her case will be heard in court on September 1.
